Who Shall Live?

[okarol]

As Bajanne mentioned in another thread, there is a DVD entitled "Who Shall Live?" - we gave them to the attendees at the Las Vegas meeting.

In those early days of the technology, only a few patients could be treated, and even then at great cost. The demand greatly exceeded the capacity to treat patients, and some means of selection was needed. An anonymous panel of community members was formed to screen and select patients for treatment. The highly controversial decision-making process was the subject of an NBC documentary in 1965 entitled "Who Shall Live?" narrated by Edwin Newman. That gothic portrayal showed the faceless black silhouettes of the anonymous committee members against a stark white screen as they deliberated over the merits of each case. But on what grounds should patients be selected? Age, finances, family dependents, job title?

If you would like a copy of the documentary, please let me know and I will get one to you, free of charge.

[Rerun]

In 1961 you had to have $10,000 up front for 2 years of dialysis.  Great Cost?  That would be 3 treatments today.

I think it is great that you have these DVD's for history.  I don't need one though.  Thanks~

[Zach]

In 1961 you had to have $10,000 up front for 2 years of dialysis.  Great Cost?  That would be 3 treatments today.

$10,000 should cover about one year on home hemodialysis.



PS:  Medicare approves about $146.00 per dialysis treatment (meds are separate, for now).
Of that amount, Medicare pays 80% and private Medigap insurance pays 20% -- if Medicare is your primary insurance.

If a private insurance policy is your primary, then the payment may be more like $500 to $800 per treatment.

[monrein]

You would need also to look at salary averages in 1965 or 1961 to think about how much money $10,000 dollars represented.  It would not have been uncommon to make $5,000 a year as a secretary or entry-level teacher so that's very high cost indeed.

[Zach]

What cost $10,000.00 in 1965 would cost $65,085.24 in 2007.
http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

[okarol]

I amended my original post to clarify that there is no charge for the DVD.

[petey]

I'd like one, okarol.  Do you still have my mailing address?
Thanks,
petey (Marsha)

[Sluff]

Great offer at a greater Price of $0. How cool is that? I already have one but must confess I have not watched it yet.

[okarol]

I'd like one, okarol.  Do you still have my mailing address?
Thanks,
petey (Marsha)

Yes, I do, I will send one.

[boxman55]

Karol I would like to get one also. Thank you...Boxman

[willieandwinnie]

okarol, do you have any left? I'd love a copy. 

[Bajanne]

My salary as a teacher in 1968 was $145.00  (BWI currency at the time which was 1/2 US$!!!)   Dialysis here is $500 a session (free for citizens and residents). That would be $1,500 a week  - $78,000 a year!!!!!  In my home country, Barbados, it is $900 a week (again, free for citizens and residents) - $46,800 a year!
It is only looking at these figures that I see the great cost of dialysis.

That movie "Who Shall Live?" was eye-opening.  Sam and I watched it and were overwhelmed.  You see, my father passed away because of them not thinking it was worth it to put a man 88 years old on dialysis, in spite of the fact that he was extremely healthy for his age and that was his only problem.  Our family doctor even cried because he was powerless.

It is also interesting to see how far we have come in terms of the machines we use.

Though I do not like dialysis, I am very grateful for the life-prolongation it is affording me.

[okarol]

Karol I would like to get one also. Thank you...Boxman

okarol, do you have any left? I'd love a copy. 

I will send you each one. 

[MIbarra]

Can I get a copy also, please?

[okarol]

Can I get a copy also, please?

Yes, I have your address from the Holiday Exchange list. Thanks.

[MIbarra]

Thank you!

[Chris]

I like history and would like to get a copy also. I will have to look at Zach's posted link that shows what cost were like in 1965.

[Romona]

Could you send me a copy too please.

[petey]

I'd like one, okarol.  Do you still have my mailing address?
Thanks,
petey (Marsha)

Yes, I do, I will send one.

Came today!  Thanks, Karol!  I haven't watched it yet, but Marvin and I plan to soon.  Also, thanks for the two "extra" surprises, Karol.  You really are a sweetheart.  Marvin and I are both wearing our "Donate Life" bracelets now.  And, you remembered to send two, so my Marvin could have one...you know how to make me your friend for life don't you? (include Marvin and I'm endeared to you forever).  Thanks again!

[dkerr]

My mother was one of those who went before a panel.  My Dad was Air Force and we were transferred to Travis AFB in California because they had a dialysis machine.  They interviewed my mom and another lady and chose my mom.  As I recall in this case the other lady wasn't chosen because of compliance issues.

I would love to have a copy of the video too - please let me know what I can do to get one.  Thanks.  Dianne

[graftgurl]

PS:  Medicare approves about $146.00 per dialysis treatment (meds are separate, for now).
Of that amount, Medicare pays 80% and private Medigap insurance pays 20% -- if Medicare is your primary insurance.

I am thankful every single day that I have insurance, even if it is Medicare. After saying that though, Medicare can be the worst at covering necessary procedures and medical supplies. Luckily (and I'm being facetious here), I am disabled and qualify for state Medicaid. They pay the 20% that Medicare does not.

After reading all the replies to your post, I have begun to truly understand the financial cost of dialysis. I had absolutely no idea.
Okarol, would you mind sending me a copy of the DVD as well? I will send you my address by PM.

[okarol]

Please let me know if the DVD's were received (I know you got yours Petey) because I cannot remember who else I mailed them to. 
All other requests will go out soon.

[Katey]

I would absolutely love a copy!!  My mother is a 74 yr old RN who tells me of remembering a time when I would not have been able to be on dialysis.

Edited: Address removed - okarol/admin

[okarol]

I finally got more DVD's and I think these are who still needs a copy sent to them:

Boxman
willieandwinnie
mibarra
Chris
Ramona
graftgurl
Katey

If I missed your name, or already sent you one, please let me know.

[MIbarra]

Yes, I would still like one. Thank you!